It's a changing of the guard for the ACT's most dominant netball team over the past two years, but Arawang remains intent on becoming the first side to complete the three-peat.
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Twenty-two-year-old Tess Pennell takes over as captain when the new season of the ACT State League gets underway at the ACT Netball Centre on Friday night.
The new-look Arawang team opens its title defence against South Canberra with a bunch of fresh faces within its ranks.
Gone are several of the team's experienced campaigners, with former skipper Kim Rice, Melina Saunders and Mardi Aplin retiring, while Natalie Jones has relocated to Perth.
That puts extra responsibility on Pennell, Leigh Kalsbeek, Georgia Clayden, Emma Walmsley-Stonehouse and Georgia Whitton to keep Arawang ahead of the chasing pack.
Pennell believes it will be a difficult task, but says her young side is capable of once again challenging for the title.
"I think everyone is a bit of a leader and we all have experience in our specific parts of the court and we all work together," Pennell said.
"I wouldn't say more pressure, I think we need to take every game as it comes.
"Although the team is very different, I think we have the same strength and determination that we always have."
One of the main challengers to Arawang will be Canberra, which has recruited strongly with the addition of NSW Swifts and former Australian under-21 goal-shooter Kimberley Borger.
Canberra centre/wing attack Bec Collis said the side was looking to go further than last year.
"We had such a good first half of the season, so it's about building on that in the second half and into the grand final," Collis said. "Kim's going to fit in really nicely.
"She's obviously got a wealth of experience and will be a key player for us."
Canberra opens its season against last year's runners-up Tuggeranong, while Belconnen takes on Queanbeyan.
Each team will play each other twice in the 10-round competition culminating in the grand final on June 14.
FRIDAY: ACT State League: Tuggeranong v Canberra, court one. Arawang v South Canberra, court two. Belconnen v Queanbeyan, court three. All games at 9pm at the ACT Netball Centre, Lyneham.
